Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, virtually met local farmers and representatives from the Environment Agency (EA), East Riding Council and the National Farmers Union to discuss recent flooding. Graham initiated the meeting after he had been contacted by farmers in his constituency who have suffered significant flooding during the winter, in an attempt to find a way forward with the help of the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency presented detailed findings of their Bathymetric Survey of the River Hull. The fall over the length of the river is unusually small, which affects the approach to pumping water from agricultural land into the river. Managing the river and Drains requires a delicate balance. In years of high rainfall and high levels in the chalk aquifers of the East Yorkshire Wolds, this is challenging.
Farmers welcomed the opportunity to highlight their individual experiences of crop failure and extended periods of fields under water and to ask questions. It was concluded that additional funding and new projects are required, and Graham looks forward to chairing a follow up meeting in June to hear an update from the EA when he hopes a clear proposal for a way forward can be achieved.
Graham said, “This meeting was a great opportunity for everyone to have a say, and to be clear that agencies need to work together to try reduce the effect of flooding that local farmers have experienced this winter and for several years. I look forward to meeting again in June, when Sir Greg Knight MP and I will join forces to consider what is possible.”
Paul Stockhill, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said, “We have recently completed a detailed Bathymetric Survey of the River Hull, which will help identify any changes to the riverbed. The meeting provided a great opportunity to start sharing the results of our survey. Managing flood risk in low-lying rural catchments can be complex, and there are challenges in attracting funding. We hope our strong relationships, and working together, will provide some of the solutions in managing flooding into the future.”
John Duggleby, who farms at Beswick, said, “We in the farming industry have good productive farmland here that is being flooded more often and for longer periods. We had reached an impasse locally, so it was good to get Graham on board and for him to raise the need for action with the Environment Agency.”
The group will meet again in June.
